Undead and Unwed was an ok book IMO, I will read the rest of the series at some point, I just didn't feel it was as god as I expected it would be
I have Empress Orchid as well Kell, that one looks great.
Have you read any of Amy Tan's books by any chance?
Oh if you love the Orient have you tried Shogun by James Clavell? I loved the dramatisation on TV when I was younger and have since picked up the book to read as well